Fine Gael’s failure in health is “clear for all to see” on the back of the worst hospital overcrowding figures since records began, it has been claimed.

The latest numbers from the Irish Nurses’ and Midwives’ Organisation (INMO) show that 36,000 patients were left languishing on trolleys in the first three months of 2017.

Fianna Fail health spokesman Billy Kelleher TD has slammed the Government for their response to the crisis, noting a 40% increase in hospitals outside the east of the country since Fine Gael took power in 2011.

It comes amid claims from the Private Hospital Association that the public system has fewer beds now than it did in 1980.

Deputy Kelleher said: “The facts and figures don’t lie. In April 2017, 7199 patients were lying on trolleys compared to 6636 in April 2011.

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“While there has been some improvement in the figures in the Eastern Division, i.e. those hospitals in and around Dublin and the East Coast, we have seen a massive deterioration in the rest of the country.

“A 40% increase over six years of Fine Gael government is not good enough, especially as we have seen some increases in funding over that time.

“Three successive Fine Gael Ministers for Health have all failed to make any impact on the scourge of patients on trolleys.”

While increases in Dublin and surrounding areas have decreased, Deputy Kelleher said Fine Gael had abandoned the rest of the country, where waiting lists continue to rise sharply.

He said: “What is deeply concerning is the fact that the South and West of the country have been completely ignored by these Ministers.

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“But unfortunately, it is not surprising. The emergence of a two tier Ireland has been a central failure of Fine Gael in Government, with their record in regional development as bad as their record on trolleys in the South and West.

“Fine Gael is unique in European politics in being one of a very small handful of political parties that don’t have a viable or workable health policy, and are in charge of their country’s health system.

“We need targeted investment in our health system with additional funding for step down facilities in community hospitals to get those who do not require an acute bed, who do require care, out of the system.”

Deputy Kelleher said recruiting and retaining doctors and nurses remained the biggest challenge facing the Irish health service.

He warned: “Unless Minister Harris gets his act together, the Irish health system will grind to a halt.”

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Meanwhile Simon Nugent, CEO, Private Hospitals Association has said he is surprised the HSE has not reached out to the private sector for help.

He said: “The public system has fewer beds now than it did in 1980. The PHA is surprised the HSE has not consulted us with a view to assisting in relation to the crisis and we remain available to assist.

“The PHA supports the plan by the Minister for Health for waiting list initiatives and believes he should pursue this proactively.

“Responsibility for the care for private patients should be transferred from public hospitals to private hospitals which has the capacity and expertise.”